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Accreditation A designation issued by an independent body to an organization. The accrediting body establishes standards and requirements for organizations in a field or industry. To become accredited, the provider implements practices that meet the established standards and requirements.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Physical functions that an independent person performs each day, including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, walking or wheeling, and transferring into and out of bed.

Acute Care Care that has recovery as its primary goal; typically requires the services of a physician, nurse, or other skilled professional and usually provided in a doctor's office or hospital; usually short term.

Administrator A licensed professional who undertakes the duty of managing day-to-day operations of a nursing facility.

Adult Day Care Services provided to seniors at a community-based center for 8-10 hours during the day. Services are social and health related (i.e. planned activities, assistance with ADLs, and physical and mental exercise) and may cater to seniors with special needs such as memory care. Transportation to and from the center is often provided and meals and snacks are prepared and served.

Aid & Attendance (VA Benefit) A special pension provided to Veterans and their widows(ers) of below-average financial means who require regular assistance with ADLs. This is a "pension benefit" and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation.

Alzheimer’s Disease A progressive and fatal brain disorder which destroys brain cells and causes degradation of memory, thinking and behavior. The most common form of dementia.

American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) A non-profit membership organization which provides superior educational programming, certification in a variety of positions, and career development for long-term care administrators. They also Identify, recognize, and support long term care leaders, advocating for their mission and promoting excellence in their profession.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) Another name for Pet Therapy. A type of therapy which utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals with patients. Studies have shown that physical contact with a pet can lower high blood pressure and improve survival rates for heart attack victims.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) A non-profit organization that receives government support to organize and administer programs and services to older Americans on a local level. Their service area typically includes a county or group of counties. They also specialize in providing resources to seniors of below average financial means.